More than 7.6 million new cases of disease linked to being overweight or obese could be diagnosed in the UK during the next 20 years, according to the Obesity Health Alliance. If the worrying trend in obesity continues, around 40 million adults in the UK could be overweight or obese by 2035, with 45 percent of adults in the lowest income bracket being obese.

Over the next two decades, the study predicts an additional 4.62 million cases of type 2 diabetes, 1.63 million cases of coronary heart disease, and 670,000 new cases of cancer. In 2035 alone, around 440,000 new cases of disease could be caused by being overweight and obese in the UK.

“This study is a wakeup call for the Government and shows a daunting future if no strong action is taken against the obesity epidemic,” said Modi Mwatsama, Director of Policy and Global Health at the UK Health Forum and member of the Obesity Health Alliance. “We can’t expect industry to make changes on their own and people need help making healthier choices. Companies will have to be held accountable by Government. The Government must lead the way by creating a level playing field with independent, regulated targets for reducing the amount of sugar, fat and salt in food. Without Government action, our children face a life of disease and early death.”

The study, ‘Tipping the scales: why preventing obesity makes economic sense. Cancer Research UK and UK Health Forum Report’, did not include several other obesity-related diseases such as hypertension, liver disease, osteoarthritis, or chronic kidney disease which could also have a toll on public health and NHS resources.

Despite the dire warning, the study states that the the future could be brighter and a small change could make a big difference. A one per cent shift in the number of people putting on extra weight each year until 2035, could avoid around 77,000 cases of disease including 45,000 cases of type 2 diabetes in the year 2035 alone.

To tackle the obesity epidemic, the Obesity Health Alliance is calling on the UK Government to introduce a strong childhood obesity strategy without delay. It must include restricting junk food advertising on TV before the 9pm watershed, tightening online marketing to align with broadcast regulations, as well as setting targets for industry to reduce the amount of sugar and fat in food.

“These numbers are shocking and it’s difficult to think of the impact this will have on public health and an already strained NHS. Without bold action, the next generation will face more disease and live shorter lives,” said Alison Cox, Cancer Research UK’s director of prevention and member the Obesity Health Alliance. “Kids are bombarded with advertisements for unhealthy food and if we are to give our children the chance for better and healthier lives, it’s vital the Government’s childhood obesity strategy restricts this kind of marketing.”